It’s Beach Time Anytime
With a temperate year-round climate, it is always a great time to hit the beach in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan or Perdido Key.
Even if you are not staying in a Gulf-front property, there are more than 30 miles of white-sand beaches to explore from your beach condo or house rental, or by visiting one of the many public beach access locations.
Take Home The Memories, Leave Only Footprints
A new initiative undertaken by the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is now in effect to help make your beach stay even more enjoyable and protect the resources for future generations.
Called Leave Only Footprints, this comprehensive program provides tips for helping create a safe, clean, family-friendly environment for all visitors.
- Any structures or equipment left on the beach an hour after sunset will be removed and disposed of by beach patrol (except for permitted beach services).
- Individual lodging properties and landowners may allow tents and shelters in designated areas during the day. Learn the rules for your stretch of the beach.
- These items are not allowed on the beaches:
- Glass containers
- Metal shovels or excessive digging
- Litter
- Tents or structures larger than 7′ x 7′, without city permit
- Overnight camping
- Fireworks
- Loud Music
- Fires
- Pets (except Fort Morgan area)
- Vehicles
- Keep off dunes to help protect and preserve the dune system. Use beach walkovers instead.
- Observe and obey the Beach Warning Flag System. Double red flags mean the waters are closed for your safety.
- Be respectful of private property beyond the bounds of your lodging property.
Download The Leave Only Footprints Flyer
Play It Safe On The Beach
The City of Gulf Shores provides seasonal lifeguard services between March and September, and encourages the public to swim at the protected public swimming areas when lifeguards are present.
One full-time beach safety supervisor and 13 seasonal lifeguards make up the city’s beach patrol.
Lifeguard towers are located at the following locations in Gulf Shores:
- The main public beach access in Gulf Shores at the intersection of Hwy 59 and Hwy 182 known as “Gulf Place”
- East Gulf Place
- Main Gulf Place
- West Gulf Place
- West 2nd Street
- West 6th Street
- Lagoon Pass
The City of Orange Beach Surf Rescue Division consists of eight lifeguards patrolling a 9.5-mile stretch of coastline with four lifeguard towers, four all-terrain vehicles and two Jet Skis.
Lifeguard towers are located at the following locations in Orange Beach:
- Gulf State Park Pavilion Area
- Cotton Bayou Beach
- Romar Beach
- East Alabama Point
Beach Warning Flags
Please observe and obey the Beach Warning Flag System, which is in place for your safety. The absence of beach warning flags does not indicate safe swimming conditions.
- Green: Low Hazard (calm conditions, exercise caution)
- Yellow: Medium Hazard (moderate surf and/or currents)
- Purple: Dangerous Marine Life Present
- One Red Flag: High Hazard (high surf and/or strong currents)
- Double Red Flag: Water Closed To Public
In Gulf Shores, beach warning flags are visible in the following locations:
- End of the East Gulf Place Boardwalk (near Phoenix All-Suites East)
- East Gulf Place
- Main Gulf Place
- West Gulf Place
- West 2nd Street
- West 4th Street
- West 5th Street
- West 6th Street
- West 13th Street
- Lagoon Pass (North & South)
What’s A Rip Current?
Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from the shore at surf beaches. Rip currents account for 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards.
Break The Grip Of A Rip Current
Daily Surf Conditions: 251-981-SURF
Tips For Avoiding & Treating Sunburn & Other Issues
- Always wear sunscreen: Pay particular attention to face, neck, ears and shoulders. Apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Wear sunhats and glasses. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body cool, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which cause dehydration.
- Protect your eyes: UV rays can damage eyes, so be sure to wear sunglasses. Also protect your lips from the sun.
- Beware of heat stroke: Watch for hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid and weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. If someone shows symptoms, call 911 and keep the victim lying down and use ice packs, cold packs or wet towels on wrists, ankles, armpits and necks.
- Bounce back from a jellyfish sting: If stung by a jellyfish, use saltwater to wash the sting. Apply rubbing alcohol or vinegar to the sting area. If the victim experiences difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate help.
- Treat a sunburn: Drink lots of water. Soak in a cool bath or apply cold compresses several times a day. Do not apply petroleum jelly or oil-based lotions. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may alleviate pain and swelling.
If you have questions or need to report damage once you have arrived in your vacation property, please call 800-775-8945.